At an early age, Rebecca Jovin was able to embrace internationality through her parental working and living environment. An additional fact was her experience as a young girl experiencing the reunification of the “former East and West Germany”.
Complex global issues increasingly intensified her interest in universal problems. This curiosity for knowledge about peace and security inspired her to pursue her passion even further. She began studying Political Science at Stanford and continued her Master’s degree in International Affairs at Columbia University.
A United Nations staff member since 2008, Rebecca Jovin started working at the Headquarters of the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) in New York in 2019. In February 2022, she was appointed Chief of the UNODA Vienna Office, located in the Vienna International Centre. During her studies, she also engaged as a singer in classical musical performances. Due to her demanding profession, she has had to reduce her passion for choral performance since moving to Vienna – something she hopes to rectify in the future.
A dynamic young team with a wide variety of talents can be expected in UNODA’s office in Vienna. The office straddles responsibilities across two main areas of work, including liaison with the Vienna- based international community, as well as disarmament education. From creative minds to critical thinkers, the team is equipped to tackle complex topics about disarmament and to make them more accessible to the public. Communication technique, analytical skills, and social competence such as the ability to work in a diverse team are essential qualifications.
Numerous meetings and round tables are held with student groups, partners and diplomats at a multilateral level, and new learning tools are constantly being developed. Conferences are held that require careful planning and coordination.
To ensure success and satisfaction, a continuous motivational drive is crucial. This determination is provided by Rebecca Jovin and the entire team.
The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs aims to realize human, national and collective security through the regulation, control and elimination of arms.
“The following four Sustainable Development Goals are particularly relevant to the work of its Vienna Office.”
#4, #5, #16 and #17
#16 peace, justice and strong institutions
Disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control play a vital role in preventing conflict and in forging and sustaining peace.“Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels“.
#17 partnerships for the goals
Disarmament efforts, including in the educational realm, depends and thrives on partnerships.“Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development.“
Additional, free educational and learning resources on disarmament and its relevance for peace & security, human rights and development can be found here:
UNODA e-learning self-paced courses:
EDUCATION (disarmamenteducation.org)
Vienna Office website:
UNODA Office in Vienna – UNODA
Contacts & social media/online resources for UNODA Vienna Office:
UNODA Vienna Office | Instagram, Facebook | Linktree
Sustainable development Goals:
https://sdgs.un.org/goals
Vienna Office flyer:
VO-flyer.pdf (un-arm.org)
Instagram clip about Vienna Office:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cyyj6F8Ku7I/
article:
Christine Ojo